Prosthesis template for use in a robot-aided system for surgery

Abstract

A prosthesis template for aiding in the determination of a desired position of a prosthesis relative to a bone, the prosthesis having an exterior surface that simulates the exterior surface of the bone and an interior surface comprised of one or more contact surfaces to which the prepared bone must conform to provide an adequate fit of the prosthesis. The template comprises a template member having an interior surface which corresponds to an exterior surface of the prosthesis, whereby the template can be positioned adjacent to the bone and thereby provide means for evaluating a desired position of the prosthesis exterior surface.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A prosthesis template for aiding in the determination of a desired position of a prosthesis relative to a bone and for additionally aiding in determining the proper positions of bone cuts necessary to prepare the bone to receive the prosthesis, the prosthesis having an exterior surface that simulates the exterior surface of the bone and an interior surface comprised of one or more contact surfaces to which the prepared bone must conform to provide an adequate fit of the prosthesis, said template comprising a template member having an interior surface, said interior surface corresponding to an exterior surface of the prosthesis, whereby said template can be positioned adjacent the bone and thereby provide means for evaluating a desired position of the prosthesis exterior surface, said template further including a cut-guide mark lying in a cut plane, the relationship between the cut plane and said interior surface representing the relationship between the prosthesis exterior surface and one contact surface of the prosthesis, whereby said template can be positioned adjacent the bone and thereby provide a visual means for evaluating the proper position of the prosthesis interior and exterior surfaces. 
     
     
       2. A template as claimed in claim 1, wherein said template interior surface is defined by three contour lines. 
     
     
       3. A template as claimed in claim 1, further comprising longitudinal alignment means for providing a reference between said template and the longitudinal axis of the bone. 
     
     
       4. A template as claimed in claim 1, wherein said template member is comprised of rigid transparent material. 
     
     
       5. A template as claimed in claim 1, further comprising mounting means for rigidly securing said template relative to a reference structure.